The Future of Housing in Charlottesville
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Details:
Housing equity is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted effort with the support of our full community. What does the future hold for affordable and low-income housing in Charlottesville? Can we ensure everyone, including seniors, is housed? How can we increase homeownership? How should land be developed for the good of the community? Where does the necessary funding come from? What are the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and UVA doing to alleviate our housing shortage? Maxicelia Robinson moderates a panel of government representatives and housing advocates including Dr. Wes Bellamy, S. Lisa Herndon, Dave Norris, Luis Oyola, and Councilor Michael Payne.
Seating capacity is limited. To attend virtually, please register here. Register below for in-person attendance.
Speaker Bios:
Maxicelia Robinson is Deputy Clerk of Council for the City of Charlottesville and the creator and co-host of the weekly live radio show “In My Humble Opinion,” which focuses on being a sounding board for issues that affect the local Black community and creating opportunities to effect positive change, and have honest, thought-provoking conversation.
Dr. Wes Bellamy is a former vice-mayor of Charlottesville who served a four-year term on City Council. Currently the Political Science Department Chair at Virginia State University, he is also Chair of the Charlottesville Housing and Redevelopment Board and National Public Policy Chair of 100 Black Men of America. Dr. Bellamy is the author of When White Supremacy Knocks, Fight Back: How White People Can Use their Privilege and How Black People Can Use their Power.
S. Lisa Herndon was the 2023 President of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors. As a leading real estate expert, she works to close the wealth gap via homeownership and address the affordable housing crisis. She has served on City of Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund Committee and the Cville Plans Together Steering Committee, among other community boards.
Dave Norris is a former Mayor of Charlottesville and has held leadership roles with many local affordable housing organizations including the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Public Housing Association of Residents, Piedmont Housing Alliance, and others. He has championed many community efforts such as establishing the Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund, creating the City’s Housing Program Coordinator position, and chairing the community task force that resulted in the founding of The Haven.
Luis Oyola is the Executive Director of the Piedmont Community Land Trust, an organization designed to create homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income families. He has been a community activist for many issues affecting people in Charlottesville and volunteered with the Public Housing Association of Residents.
Michael Payne is a second-term Councilor for the City of Charlottesville. His focus as an elected official is on increasing local affordable housing investments, expanding Charlottesville’s public transportation system, and creating local community wealth building strategies. He serves on the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Housing Advisory Committee, the Kindlewood Resident Advisory Committee, and the regional Planning District Commission.
This event is part of The Center’s 2024 Speaker Series, “The Uncomfortable Truths of Systemic Racism,” developed by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers that supports The Center’s healthy aging mission by helping to ensure a welcoming environment for all members of our communities through outreach and the creation of programs and partnerships.
Please join us for the first session on housing on May 1, "Urban Renewal & Rezoning"
Open to all.
Location:
The Center
Seats available: 3